Climate Literacy: Integrating Modeling & Technology Experiences (CLIMATE) in NC ClassroomsAn Year-Long, Interdisciplinary, Global Climate Change Teacher Professional Development Program
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NC CLIMATE Fellows will interact with diverse climate change scientists and engage in hands-on, inquiry-based activities designed to support learning about the science of climate change and its impacts on terrestrial, marine, and hydrological systems. Fellows will be exposed to global, regional and NC specific data on climate change and will also study climate change from economic and social perspectives. Fellows will not only be introduced to scientists who rely on NASA resources to study global climate change but will participate in activities that demonstrate the value of these resources to classroom instruction. Content and activities will be aligned with the 2009 NC Science Essential Standards as well as the Climate Literacy Framework: The Essential Principles of Climate Science. Fellows will develop or adapt a lesson pertaining to climate change that incorporates one or more NASA resources.



Each NC CLIMATE Fellow will be expected to participate in all of the following activities that will take place during this year-long, professional development program:


Professional Development Workshops

  • DSC_0012.jpg3-Day Summer Institute
    Tuesday, June 19 - Thursday June 21, 2012 North Carolina Botanical Garden, UNC-Chapel Hill
    All snacks and meals provided with the exception of dinner on day three; free lodging provided at a nearby hotel with shuttle to and from institute.
  • Two Weekend Retreats*
    September 8-9, 2012, Highlands, NC and March 16-17, 2013, Manteo, NC
    *Participants are required to attend at least one weekend retreat. All meals provided; free lodging provided in a dorm-like facility; tent camping may also be an option.

Webinars

  • Three, 90-minute content webinars devoted to supporting classroom adoption of resources and development of lesson plans, 2012-13 school year;
  • Two 30-minute evaluation webinars facilitated by the program’s external evaluator, 2012-13 school year.

Lesson Development
Participants will develop/adapt a lesson that incorporates NASA data/models and will implement the lesson with one or more classes during the academic year following the summer institute.

Ongoing evaluation activities as required by NASA.



CF2011-UNC1.pngBenefits

NC CLIMATE Fellows will receive:

              • An up-to-date account of climate change science by interacting first-hand with climate change scientists from diverse scientific disciplines.
              • Authentic experiential learning opportunities designed to enhance knowledge of the climate change issues and impacts specific to coastal North Carolina and the Southern Appalachian Mountains.
              • A wealth of new ideas and instructional resources including curriculum-related materials.
  • Up to a $750 stipend:
    • $250 stipend upon completion of the Summer Institute
    • $250 stipend upon completion of 1 weekend retreat and follow-up evaluation webinar
    • $250 stipend upon successful participation in 1 lesson development webinar and completion of a Climate Fellows lesson plan.
  • Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits, as well as Criteria II and III credit in the NC Environmental Education Certification Program available through the NC Office of Environmental Education.

Eligibility

Prospective Applicants MUST:

  • Be a high school science teacher in the state of North Carolina.
  • Be available to participate in the June 19-21, 2012 Summer Institute and at least one weekend retreat.
  • Have access to a working Internet connection during afternoon/evening hours for both content and evaluation webinars.
  • Be in good physical condition. Field experiences may include hiking, walking, wading and other activities in hot, humid conditions as well as cold and/or rainy weather.


To Apply

Access the Online Application. All applications must be received before 5PM on Friday, March 30, 2012; teachers selected to participate in this program will be notified on or before April 20, 2012.

Upon notification of acceptance, teachers will be asked to submit a $100 deposit to reserve their spot in the program. Your check will not be deposited unless you cancel without a suitable replacement; it would then be considered a tax-deductible gift to the Institute for the Environment. The check will be returned to you upon check-in at the summer institute on June 19, 2012.

This program is sponsored by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Institute for the Environment with funding provided by NASA's Innovations in Climate Education Program.

Questions? Please contact Sarah Yelton at (919) 966-0895 or sarah.yelton@unc.edu.